Does having a child who has Autism mean that parents have to stop taking family vacations? It most certainly does not. There are plenty of travel tips for children with Autism, and they work. While every single one may not work for every child, you're sure to find a few that work for you and your family. Your family can have wonderful vacations it just takes a little bit of extra planning.
Discuss the trip with your child ahead of time, so that he or she knows what to expect. If you can, order a DVD, or brochures that are focused on the area. This way there will be some knowledge of the trip beforehand, which can be helpful. Spend the weeks leading up to the vacation discussing it in great detail. By the time the big day arrives, you're child will have a clearer understanding about what is going to take place.
Think about the child and any issues that could come up during the vacation. For example, are loud sounds hard to handle? If so, consider headphones to block out some of the noise, if you'll be at an event that is loud. Are there food issues? Ask for a room with a fridge, and perhaps a microwave. This way you can prepare meals that will be eaten. If you're heading to a beach area, water shoes can make a huge difference in your child's enjoyment level. Being prepared is one of the best things that you can do.
Book a hotel room with a refrigerator and a microwave if there are food concerns, such as allergies, or a picky eater. This allows you to prepare quick meals that will be eaten, and it can be a money saver too. If the plan is to go camping, or to the beach, play a sounds of nature CD each evening so that these sounds become familiar. Consider the sounds that will be around you and set the CD to focus on those sounds. Sound machines work great for this too.
Take every opportunity to talk about the vacation. This is a great way to prepare any child. The more detail, the better. Discuss as many aspects of the trip as you can. By the time vacation day arrives, it will almost seem familiar.
Bring along things from home that are soothing. Everyone has their own soothing items, and you likely know which things help your child. Bring along one or two, and let your child hold on to it during any times of stress. Having this little piece of home can be very comforting.
Make time for quiet time. All these new sights, sounds, and experiences can be overwhelming. It's nice to have some downtime to relax and regroup. Schedule regular periods of quiet time in order to calm your child and give him or her the time they need.
Finally, have fun, and don't stress. You'll be making memories and creating special bonds. Even if the vacation doesn't go exactly as you planned, do your best to stay calm and enjoy it. Vacations never seem to go perfectly, but that's one of the things that makes them so memorable. Remember, that in the future the family will look back on this trip and only remember the good.
Discuss the trip with your child ahead of time, so that he or she knows what to expect. If you can, order a DVD, or brochures that are focused on the area. This way there will be some knowledge of the trip beforehand, which can be helpful. Spend the weeks leading up to the vacation discussing it in great detail. By the time the big day arrives, you're child will have a clearer understanding about what is going to take place.
Think about the child and any issues that could come up during the vacation. For example, are loud sounds hard to handle? If so, consider headphones to block out some of the noise, if you'll be at an event that is loud. Are there food issues? Ask for a room with a fridge, and perhaps a microwave. This way you can prepare meals that will be eaten. If you're heading to a beach area, water shoes can make a huge difference in your child's enjoyment level. Being prepared is one of the best things that you can do.
Book a hotel room with a refrigerator and a microwave if there are food concerns, such as allergies, or a picky eater. This allows you to prepare quick meals that will be eaten, and it can be a money saver too. If the plan is to go camping, or to the beach, play a sounds of nature CD each evening so that these sounds become familiar. Consider the sounds that will be around you and set the CD to focus on those sounds. Sound machines work great for this too.
Take every opportunity to talk about the vacation. This is a great way to prepare any child. The more detail, the better. Discuss as many aspects of the trip as you can. By the time vacation day arrives, it will almost seem familiar.
Bring along things from home that are soothing. Everyone has their own soothing items, and you likely know which things help your child. Bring along one or two, and let your child hold on to it during any times of stress. Having this little piece of home can be very comforting.
Make time for quiet time. All these new sights, sounds, and experiences can be overwhelming. It's nice to have some downtime to relax and regroup. Schedule regular periods of quiet time in order to calm your child and give him or her the time they need.
Finally, have fun, and don't stress. You'll be making memories and creating special bonds. Even if the vacation doesn't go exactly as you planned, do your best to stay calm and enjoy it. Vacations never seem to go perfectly, but that's one of the things that makes them so memorable. Remember, that in the future the family will look back on this trip and only remember the good.
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